Techno-economic and environmental assessment of hybrid energy configurations for dairy farm electrification using organic waste

Abstract

This study evaluates the technical, economic, and environmental performance of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for Maizube Dairy Farm, Sabon Daga, Nigeria, using HOMER Pro software. Three configurations were analysed: solar-grid-battery, solar-diesel generator-grid-battery, and solar-biogas generator-grid-battery. These were compared with the existing system, which relies on an unreliable grid supported by a diesel generator. The evaluation considered Net Present Cost (NPC), Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE), renewable fraction, operating cost, system reliability, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Results show that the PV-biogas generator-grid-battery configuration achieved the best overall performance. The optimal system comprises a 163 kW solar photovoltaic array, a 30 kW biogas generator, 236 kWh battery storage, and a 96.2 kW converter. It recorded an NPC of $635,258, a LCOE of $0.195/kWh, and a renewable fraction of 79.8%. Compared with the existing system, the proposed configuration reduced NPC by 52.9%, LCOE by 56.0%, operating cost by 76.2%, and CO₂ emissions by about 84%. Sensitivity analysis confirmed its economic viability under varying diesel prices and nominal discount rates. Overall, the proposed system offers a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for dairy farm electrification in areas with unstable grid supply.